Software Engineering Manager

Rate; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

401(k)

Medical + dental benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Rate is seeking a hands-on Software Engineering Manager to lead a high-performing, cross-functional engineering team. You will contribute to architecture, design, and delivery of core systems while mentoring engineers and ensuring scalable, high-quality software.

The role combines leadership with coding and architecture work, driving product innovation in a remote-friendly setting. A strong background in Java/React/Node.js and cloud platforms is required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of software development experience.
• 4+ years in an engineering leadership or team lead role with direct reports.
• Deep expertise in Java, React, Node.js, Python etc.
• Experience with microservices, event-driven architecture, or containerization.
• Experience designing scalable systems and working with cloud infrastructure (AWS/GCP/Azure).
• Strong communication and people skills; you can inspire and align stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example — write, review, and ship production-quality code regularly (~30–50% of time).
• Collaborate with Product, Design, and Engineering to deliver features that drive business outcomes.
• Mentor, coach, and grow engineers through regular 1:1s and career planning.
• Drive the team to use AI methods to increase development productivity.
• Own team execution and delivery: set priorities, remove blockers, and keep projects on track.
• Define and drive engineering best practices including testing, CI/CD, system design, and code quality.
• Participate in architecture reviews and shape long-term technical direction.
• Recruit and onboard top engineering talent.

Skills

Full-stack development

Leadership

Java

React

Node.js

Python

Microservices

Containerization

Cloud infrastructure

AI driven development

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

GCP

Azure

CI/CD

Job description

## Software Engineering ManagerApplylocations: Remotetime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR101120Rate is one of the nation’s top retail mortgage lenders, delivering a seamless, tech-driven experience that helps customers reach their homeownership and financial goals. Founded in 2000 and based in Chicago, Rate is licensed in all 50 states and D.C. and has helped over 2 million homeowners with a wide range of loan products, competitive rates and personalized service. With 5,000+ employees across 300+ offices and 12+ subsidiaries, Rate’s Loan Officers rank among the best in the country. From purchases and refinances to tapping into equity, Rate makes financing faster, simpler and less stressful. Our technology — including Same Day Mortgage, the Rate App, FlashCloseSM, MyAccount and the Language Access Program — has earned recognition from HousingWire, Scotsman Guide, NerdWallet, the Chicago Tribune and Crain’s Chicago Business. Learn more at rate.com.Job Profile:Software Engineering ManagerJob Description Summary:We are committed to providing a competitive and equitable total rewards package. The compensation for this role is designed to attract, retain, and motivate top talent. The expected base salary range for this position is $180,000 to $240,000 annually.Job Description:**Why Rate is the BEST Place to Work**Rate is one of the nation’s top retail mortgage lenders, delivering a seamless, tech-driven experience that helps customers reach their homeownership and financial goals. Founded in 2000 and based in Chicago, Rate is licensed in all 50 states and D.C. and has helped over 2 million homeowners with a wide range of loan products, competitive rates and personalized service. With 5,000+ employees across 300+ offices and 12+ subsidiaries, Rate’s Loan Officers rank among the best in the country. From purchases and refinances to tapping into equity, Rate makes financing faster, simpler and less stressful. Our technology — including Same Day Mortgage, the Rate App, FlashCloseSM, MyAccount and the Language Access Program — has earned recognition from HousingWire, Scotsman Guide, NerdWallet, the Chicago Tribune and Crain’s Chicago Business. Learn more at rate.com.**What Makes Our Team Awesome****We are a gritty group of passionate technologists on a mission to dominate the mortgage world!**The Information Technology Team within Rate passionately and consistently puts our customers first. We are building the latest technology to help create the best mortgage experience on the planet and get your mortgage, your way, anytime, anywhere. Whether that is improving our digital mortgage platform, automating loan coordination and underwriting processes, or building out the latest marketing and customer engagement platform, we’re doing it all. We build high-performing, self-organized, cross-functional agile teams that operate with minimal hierarchy. Information Technology team members hold themselves and others accountable and live and breathe the tenets of autonomy, mastery, and purpose.**What’s the Role?**We are looking for a Hands-On Software Engineering Manager who thrives in both leadership and code. In this role, you'll lead a team of talented engineers while actively contributing to architecture, design, and development of our core systems. You’ll play a key role in scaling the team, ensuring technical excellence, and driving product innovation from concept to deployment.**Responsibilities*** Lead by example — Write, review, and ship production-quality code regularly (~30–50% of time).* Collaborate closely with Product, Design, and Engineering teams to deliver features that drive business outcomes.* Mentor, coach, and grow engineers through regular 1:1s, career planning, and technical feedback.* Drive the team to use AI methods to increase the overall development productivity* Own team execution and delivery: set priorities, remove blockers, and keep projects on track.* Define and drive engineering best practices including testing, CI/CD, system design, and code quality.* Participate in architecture reviews and help shape long-term technical direction.* Recruit and onboard top engineering talent.**Qualifications*** 10+ years of software development experience, with strong full-stack or backend development skills.* 4+ years in an engineering leadership or team lead role with direct reports.* Deep expertise in Java, React, Node.js, Python etc. Experience with microservices, event-driven architecture, or containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).* Experience designing scalable systems and working with cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, GCP, or Azure).* AI driven development experience* Strong communication and people skills; you can inspire and align both technical and non-technical stakeholders.* Startup or high-growth company experience is a plus.**Other Useful Details**Employee Type: Full-TimePay Range: annual pay + bonus and/or commissionsLocation: Remote**Rate Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes and encourages all applicants to apply regardless of age, race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or parental status, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy or other any other protected characteristic. #LI-Remote****The company offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; critical care insurance; personal accidental insurance; commuter benefits; pet insurance; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program); and other supplemental benefits (e.g. legal planning assistance; identity theft protection; pet insurance; wellness resources).****Please click this link to learn more about our benefit offerings for Washington State:****https://www.rate.com/careers/open-positions/disclosures**